Transformer Explosion at Astoria Con Ed Plant Lights Up New York City

Authorities are investigating a transformer explosion at a Con Edison plant in Astoria that took place at around 9:15 p.m. on Thursday.

Residents in Queens and Long Island– and even as far away as New Jersey–saw a teal blue color light up the night sky due to an electrical surge at the plant, with many experiencing power outages as a result.

According to the NYPD, the explosion–and fire–has since been placed under control at the 20th Avenue Con Edison substation, and the 114th Precinct called on people to stay away from 20th Avenue and 31st Street.

There has been no reported damage to nearby homes, and no injuries have been reported.

The transformer explosion, which caused a transmission dip in the area, even forced LaGuardia Airport to temporarily shut down. Service on the 7 line also temporarily halted due to the explosion, which caused power to be cut between Main St and Mets-Willets Point.

The number of power outages continued to rise while authorities responded to the explosion, with New York Emergency Management asking residents to call 911 if they experience a full power outage.

None of the news coverage – TV or radio – seems to include the fact that some cell tower(s) must have been knocked out by this incident. I rely on Verizon Wireless (ever since Verizon proper allowed the underground copper wiring for my true land line to deteriorate and did not offer FIOS on my block) and, since transformer fire, cell service has been almost non-existent for phone calls. This could be dangerous for me (and, presumably, for others in the same situation.) It is impossible for me to get Verizon Wireless’ attention or an answer to my query (which I managed to express in a “Chat” with customer service) as to what the company is doing about it. NYC’s 311 service (reached from my almost-never-used Spectrum cable phone line) was no help, either. My cell phone still seems to send and receive text messages, but text from Verizon Wireless all seem to be of the “do not reply” type.

That explosion, and the “surge” that followed it, killed my poor old TV. Although I could get the cable box working again…with the help of Spectrum, over the phone, my TV wasn’t so lucky. I think Con Ed is responsible for paying for another TV for me, since that’s the last thing I can afford right now…and it’s their fault that this happened!

Based on how big the issue is, I don’t see what sense it makes to bring aliens into it at all. It literally could have been worse, especially for those who depend on electricity to keep their medical devices working as a way to avoid death. I’m sorry to say this, but only the United States can exhibit itself as a cesspool of heathens for something like that, and if no one understands the reasoning behind the statement, it may be time to reconsider yourself.

The NYC Ferry system is set to undergo a significant expansion in coming months, with the Astoria route, connecting the western Queens neighborhood to Wall Street, getting a new stop at the Brooklyn Navy Yard this spring.

A 24-year-old Brooklyn man who crashed his car on the BQE in 2017 and left a 25-year-old Astoria woman inside his burning vehicle to die was sentenced yesterday to four to 12 years in prison, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.